The very first time you see a Great Pyrenees you might mistake them for a Labrador retriever, or they might just look like another big fluffy dog. But, great Pyrenees are a special breed of dog that you might go your whole life without seeing.
So, are Great Pyrenees rare?
Great Pyrenees aren’t technically rare dogs. In the right areas like farmlands and mountain towns, Great Pyrenees are prevalent. However, because of their massive size, you might not see this breed if you live in a crowded city. But, if you are determined to have a Great Pyrenees you won’t have any trouble finding one.
In this article, we’ll explain why Great Pyrenees dogs aren’t rare. But, we’ll also talk about why you might not see one in your day-to-day life. Finally, we’ll talk about how popular Great Pyrenees are as pets and how you can get one for yourself.
Are Great Pyrenees Rare?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, rare is an adjective that describes something as “not commonly found or occurring seldomly.” By this definition alone, you can’t really consider a Great Pyrenees rare.
This dog breed can be commonly found across the United States. There’s usually no shortage of this dog breed and no need to transport one in order to adopt one into your home. It might be hard for you to believe that Great Pyrenees aren’t rare because you might not see them a lot. But, we’ll talk more about reasons why you don’t see a great Pyrenees often below.
The American Kennel Club defines 20 rare dog breeds in an article. Great Pyrenees are definitely not one of them and you might be surprised at how few of the breeds you know on the list. Dogs like Azawahks, Skye terriers, and otterhounds, are some of the rarest dog breeds on the list.
Are Great Pyrenees Mixes Rare?
Even less rare than purebred Great Pyrenees are Great Pyrenees mixes.
Great Pyrenees get along very well with many other dog breeds, so it’s not uncommon for them to form close relationships with their companions and even mate with other breeds of dogs. Obviously, interbreed relations can create mixed-breed dogs.
You can find great Pyrenees mixes in plenty of shelters and Humane Societies across the United States. They are not rare and actually make wonderful pets when mixed.
3 Reasons Why You Might Not See Many Great Pyrenees
If you’re still having a hard time believing that Great Pyrenees aren’t rare, keep reading. We are providing some explanation below for a while you may not have seen a great Pyrenees in your lifetime.
Reason 1: You Live In An Urban Area
One of the main reasons why great Pyrenees might seem like a rare dog is because of where you live.
Great Pyrenees are usually best suited for a ranch or farm life. In the past, these gentle giants were bred to act as guardians for livestock and families. In some cases, they still do the same jobs today. It’s usually a good idea to have a lot of space for your great Pyrenees to roam free during the day.
Now, great Pyrenees can do well in apartments under the right conditions but it’s far less common. Most people living in urban environments opt for a smaller dog because they’re easier to manage in a tight living situation. So, if you’re in a city, you might not see such big dogs walking along the streets.
Reason 2: You Don’t Know What You’re Looking For
Another reason why Great Pyrenees might seem rare is that you just don’t know what you’re looking at.
We mean no offense! But, until you become a Pyrenees expert, it can be difficult to distinguish them from other dogs. From a distance, they can look like other big fluffy dog breeds.
Some of the special features that set Great Pyrenees apart from other large white fluffy dogs are black noses, double dewclaws, and a thick double layered coat. Try keeping your eyes peeled for a Great Pyrenees next time you’re out at a dog park or the beach.
Reason 3: Many Great Pyrenees Stay Home
The last reason that great Pyrenees might seem rare is that some of them don’t ever leave their homes.
This sounds a little crazy but Great Pyrenees can be very territorial dogs. If they’re living on a large property they’re probably most comfortable guarding the property, roaming the land, and playing with other animals at home. With enough space, they can get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation right at home.
Plus, have you ever tried to transport a Great Pyrenees? Not only are these dogs huge but they also have a mind of their own. If your Great Pyrenees decides they don’t want to get in the car, well, they’re not getting in the car. It’s common for these dogs to stay home minus the occasional vet visit.
This explains why you might not see too many Great Pyrenees in public since they’re kind of homebodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, in this article, we’ve explained why the Great Pyrenees aren’t rare. Here are some further questions on the topic, answered below.
Are Great Pyrenees Expensive?
Does cost have an effect on the rarity of the Great Pyrenees?
All purebred dog breeds are somewhat expensive. If you’re getting a purebred dog, you’re usually paying for papers and certifications that come with them. Purebred Great Pyrenees can range from $1,200-$2,000 each. If you’re buying a Pyrenees from a breeder, you might end up paying somewhere between $800 and $1,000 per puppy.
Unless you’re dead set on getting a purebred dog, adoption is always a great option. Animal shelters often have special litters of puppies that come in for one reason or another.
You can let your local animal shelter know that you’re on the lookout for great Pyrenees puppies. Hopefully, they’ll have some sort of system in place where they can alert you when a batch shows up. Adoption is ethical and economical. Usually, shelter adoption fees for puppies range from $100-$300 per puppy.
What Is The Rarest Color Of Great Pyrenees?
There is a lot of variety that can be seen in the color and coat of the Great Pyrenees. Oftentimes, these white fluffy dogs will be speckled with brown spots and markings. Sometimes, these dogs are white with black spots all over them. From my personal experience, I can tell you that the rarest color of the Great Pyrenees is the “full blaireau” or black coloration.
This color of the Great Pyrenees is all black with a white stripe on the chest and down the middle of the face. These dogs can also have paws that look like they’ve been dipped in white paint. Among the Great Pyrenees, the black color is the most common.
The video below shares a great example of what a full black Pyr looks like.
Are Great Pyrenees Popular Pets?
For some obvious reasons, great Pyrenees aren’t the most popular pets. The Great Pyrenees only ranks 69th on the American Kennel Club’s most popular dog breeds list. So, why aren’t these gentle giants more popular?
First off, Great Pyrenees are huge. Their size can be a huge barrier for many people when they consider bringing one into their homes. With big dogs, there’s more to love, but there’s also more messes to clean up. Plus, many apartments have size limitations on the dogs that they allow.
In addition to their size great Pyrenees are independent thinkers. Because of their independent nature, they can be a challenge to train. If you do end up with a Great Pyrenees, it’s important to put them through strict discipline training as soon as you can. These dogs have a strong bite and aggression can be an issue when they lack the proper guidance.
For these reasons alone Great Pyrenees just aren’t the most popular pets. But, if you know or own a Great Pyrenees you know that they are some of the most lovable dogs in existence.
Final Thoughts
Many people think that the great Pyrenees is a rare dog breed. While these fluffy giants are majestic and beautiful, they’re not uncommon. You can find these dogs almost everywhere in the United States and they’re easy to adopt. However, you might not run into these dogs on the streets because they often live in less urban areas and like to stay at home in general.
Despite all of this Great Pyrenees are well-loved pets and are often essential members of their families. Maybe now you’ll start noticing more Great Pyrenees in your area after reading this article.
